Monthly Archives: February 2018

February 21, 2010 – The Lion King Becomes Eighth Longest-Running Broadway Show

“Let every creature go for broke and sing, let’s hear it in the herd and on the wing.”

On February 21, 2010, the Broadway production of The Lion King hit a milestone 5,125th performance, making it the eighth longest-running show in Broadway history. With this performance, the show surpassed the musical Rent in number of performances. The musical has been highly acclaimed since its debut on November 13, 1997, winning six Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and eight Drama Desk Awards for the Broadway production alone. As of 2018, the production is the third-longest running Broadway musical, behind Chicago and The Phantom of the Opera.

February 20, 2011 – The First TV Spot for Cars 2 Premieres During Daytona 500

“When you’re in over your headlights, only friends can be trusted.”

On February 20, 2011, the first television promotional advertisement for Pixar’s newest animated feature film, Cars 2, premiered during the broadcast of the Daytona 500. The spot gave viewers a glimpse of the action in the international feature, and introduces the character Finn McMissile, voiced by actor Michael Caine. The spot also heavily featured the character Mater, voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy. It was then announced that the film would be released on June 24th of that year.

February 19, 1967 – The New York Times Publishes Article About Walt Disney World

“In Mr. Disney’s words, however, the ‘most exciting and most important part’ of Disney World will be the planned community, which ‘will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry.’”

On February 19, 1967, the New York Times published an article entitled “Florida’s Disney World Aims at ’70 Opening,” which gave the public some new insight into the highly publicized “Florida Project” which would become Walt Disney World. The article went into detail about how large the planned park would be (“bigger than Manhattan”), the planned community EPCOT, and several plans in the area to provide a suitable living space for those who will live in the community, including a drainage survey and an interchange. It estimated, based on reports from Disney executives, that the park would open in 1970; Walt Disney World would go on to open on October 1, 1971.

On February 18, 2011, Disney completed their acquisition of the social network Togetherville. The network, aimed at kids aged 13 and younger, was created by Mandeep Dhillon and Rajveer Tut, and released in a public beta version on May 19, 2010. The intent of the site was to provide children the experience of Facebook, but within the confines of an age-appropriate environment that allows parents to moderate their children’s connections. With this acquisition, Dhillon became the Vice President of TogetherVille, as well as Vice President of Strategy at Disney Interactive. The Togetherville network was discontinued in March, 2012.

February 17, 2017 – The Nighttime Show Rivers of Light Premieres in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Embrace the magic of nature during a nighttime scene awash with captivating special effects, music and animal folklore.”

On February 17, 2017, the new nighttime show Rivers of Light premiered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Discovery River. The show was part of an overall evolution of the park, turning it to a day-to-night park, and features several floating sets, live performances, and water effects, celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature. The show also features scenes from the Disneynature series of films, as well as technology never-before-seen in a Disney nighttime show.

February 16, 1991 – The Live Action Show Dick Tracy Starring in Diamond Double-Cross Closes

“Tess, you’re one in a million!”

On February 16, 1991, the live action show Dick Tracy Starring in Diamond Double-Cross held its final performance in Walt Disney World’s Disney-MGM Studios. Opening on May 21, 1990, the show was created to help promote the Touchstone Pictures live action feature film Dick Tracy, which was released on June 15, 1990. The show’s plot featured Breathless Mahoney wishing to acquire the Balonian Diamond. When the diamond is stolen by Big Boy Caprice’s henchmen, Dick Tracy is on the case after being interrupted when trying to propose to Tess Trueheart.

February 15, 2005 – The Compilation Album Disneymania 3 is Released Through Walt Disney Records

“Wherever I wander, wherever I roam, I couldn’t be fonder of my big home.”

On February 15, 2005, the third album in the Disney cover compilation series Disneymania was released through Walt Disney Records. The album featured a variety of artists, ranging from Disney Channel stars The Cheetah Girls and Christy Carlson Romano, to American Idol stars Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke, to bands Bowling for Soup and Jump5. Five singles were released to promote the album and Disney animated features released on home video: “Under the Sea” by Raven-Symone, “A Whole New World” by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” by The Cheetah Girls, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” by Aly & AJ, “Cruella De Vil” by Lalaine, and “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” by Jump5. The album peaked at 30 on the Billboard 200, and was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA.